Dress Up Your Salad

September 21, 2012

Homemade vinaigrettes are apparently all the rage these days. Who knew I was ahead of the trend? I’ve been making them for a while now and the flavor of a homemade dressing simply cannot be beat. You can mix up the flavors with different kinds of vinegar, herbs and sweeteners. My favorite is Balsamic Vinegar, but I’ve also used Raspberry Vinegar, Tarragon Vinegar and Red Wine Vinegar. Fresh thyme is my go-to herb and I go back and forth between brown sugar and agave nectar to sweeten things up. No matter what, garlic is always involved, as is a little salt and pepper. I’ve also been known to sub citrus for the vinegar/acidity, so you can make a lemon or lime vinaigrette and even Dijon mustard can make a tasty appearance now and again.

Everyone has a different theory on the ratio that should be used. I like to go 50/50 with oil/acid. However, a lot of recipes call for three parts oil to one part vinegar. It really depends on how you prefer the “tangy-ness” of your dressing, so feel free to play around with the ratios and go with what suits your palate best!
Do you make vinaigrettes at home? If so, what’s your favorite ingredients to toss in and what ratio do you go by?

Thanks! I think I bought a case of twelve, ridiculously inexpensive, at the local hardware store. They’re so handy! I use them for dressing, holding cut flowers and even fill with epsom salt and tea lights to line the driveway during holiday parties. Mason Jars are definitely a household must-have!

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